Ask Me No Questions (The American Soldier Collection 12)

“Did something happen, Lynn? Did Blaze come bother you?”

“It’s no big deal. Jim and Chris took care of it. Their friend Kyle is good friends with Blaze’s buddies. Chris and Jim told them that you headed to New York to help a sick aunt and to work for a big hospital there.”

“Don’t say anymore, just in case. Be sure to be smart and let Chris and Jim protect you. I’ll call soon.”

“Take care of yourself, Cass.”

Cassidy ended the call and then walked down the side street, crushed the phone, and threw it into the garbage dumpster. She wasn’t taking any chances.

Cassidy headed toward the small hardware store in town. She noticed all the excitement and people setting up for what appeared to be an event. As she held the door open for a man carrying a bunch of bags, he said hello and thank you. She nodded then headed inside.

“He nearly knocked you over with all that stuff,” the gentleman behind the registered told her.

“He was okay. He had a lot to carry.” She walked closer to the counter.

“What’s going on in town anyway, Leonard?”

The man smiled.

“Getting ready for the big parade. Fire trucks, police cars, military and local committees. They do it in the beginning of every summer to help raise funding for the wounded warrior program in town. Did you have enough paint and supplies for the job at the new place?”

“Sure did. I was thinking about staining the front porch and back porch to the house. It needs some sanding first. Do you rent out hand sanders, Leonard?”

“Sure do. But aren’t you staying on Red Halloway’s ranch?”

“Yes.”

“He’s got a few men around there that could do that kind of work instead of a pretty young thing like you,” Leonard replied, and she chuckled. He was in his forties, a very likable guy, and had flirted with her the first time she was there.

“I can handle the hard work. Besides, I enjoy fixing things and trying to make them look new again, or at least appealing.”

“Well, you let me know if you’re still working on that project on Sunday. I’ll come over and lend you a hand.”

“I’ll let you know if I need the help. Thanks. So show me what you have.”

“Follow me, honey, and I’ll give you some pointers and send you out with the right stuff.”

Thirty minutes later, Cass was filling up the back of her Jeep once again. As she finished loading up the Jeep, she heard someone call out her name.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw Gia walking with another woman.

Cassidy waved.

“Good morning, Cassidy. Looks like you’re starting another project,” Gia said as they got closer.

Cassidy glanced toward the two sanders in the back of the Jeep. A push one for larger spaces and the hand one for tight spots and between the spindles on the porch.

“I like to keep busy.”

“I see that. This is Deanna, my cousin Teddy’s wife. You met Teddy and Jim, her husbands, at Casper’s last week.”

“Oh yes, great guys, very good reputations in the police department from what their friends said.”

Cassidy shook Deanna’s hand hello.

“Thank you. They’re a rowdy bunch. Gia tells me you’re a Marine and you were a trauma nurse too. That is so impressive.”

“Thank you. I don’t really do the trauma nurse thing anymore,” Cassidy added.